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Japan launches fifth Taigei-class submarine

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Japan launches fifth Taigei-class submarine

Chogei, the fifth Taigei-class submarine on order for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, seen here during the launch ceremony. (JMSDF)

Japan has launched a new Taigei-class diesel-electric submarine (SSK).

The ship took to the water at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Kobe shipyard on October 4, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) announced the same day. It will be in service as JS
Chogei
once commissioned.

Chogei
is the fifth of eight Taigei-class submarines commissioned, contracted or approved for purchase.

First class
Taigei
was commissioned by the JMSDF in March 2022, while funding for the eighth ship was approved by the Japanese government in fiscal year (FY) 2024.

The Taigei class program aims to equip the JMSDF with a fleet of SSKs that have greater underwater endurance compared to

his predecessors.

This is achieved by equipping the barrels with lithium ion batteries instead of lead-acid cells.

The Taigei class displaces approximately 3,000 tons at the surface and has an overall length of approximately 84 meters, an overall beam of 9.1 meters and a hull draft of approximately 8.5 meters.

It can accommodate 70 crew members, including a separate compartment for female crew members.

The SSK’s form factor includes an X-configuration stern rudder, giving the submarine better maneuverability, especially when surfacing along shallower waters.

Powered by two Kawasaki 12V 25/25SB diesel engines, the SSK can reach top speeds of over 20 kt while diving.

While equipped with bow and flank mounted sonars, the SSK can also deploy towed array sensors to better detect enemy boats across different thermal layers.

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